Prosecutors apply for two more trials to be held without jury

Applications have been made for trials without juries for two more suspected criminals. A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that there are two cases going through the process.” Gagging orders prevent the disclosure of further information.

A month ago four men were convicted of an armed robbery at Heathrow airport by a judge sitting alone at the Old Bailey. It was the first jury-less trial.

Felicity Gerry, a barrister specialising in sexual and violent offences, said she feared attempts to have such trials could become routine. “These two further applications concern me because they suggest these may be made more routinely when the legislation says it must be exceptional,” she said. “It is not just the letter of the law. It is…